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SAT Reading Blogs

As the school year ramps up again, I wanted to put out a modified version of a Memo of Understanding
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memo_of_understanding for parents and students. It seems each year in the rush to get through the first weeks of school parents and students forget the basic first good steps and then the spiral downwards occurs and then the need for obtaining a tutor and then the ‘wish for promises’ from a tutor. Pay attention to your child’s folder or agenda book. A student is generally not able to self regulate until well into high school. Some people never quite figure it out. Be the best person you can be by helping your child check for due dates, completeness, work turned in on time. Not only will this help your child learn to create and regulate a schedule, it prevents the following types of conversations I always disliked as a teacher ("Can you just give my child one big assignment to make up for the D/F so they can pass"; "I am going to talk to...
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I was excited on Tuesday, July 16th, 2013. This was my third meeting with this student and I finally had a breakthrough with him. On the first meeting it was clear that he saw Algebra I almost as a foreign language. I began with one of the test packet, and had him do 10 questions and reviewed the questions he had done wrong. So this continued for a while, and of course sometimes he would say that he understood, but it was clear that he did not. Anyway, after reviewing the entire packet I began a teach and learn session, in which I picked a variety of topics and had him practice various equations. After which I gave him a quiz.
He failed the quiz miserably, so of course he still did not understand. Anyway, I gave him another packet for homework. When I saw the student again, I reviewed with him, but still not much improvement, but at least he tried. I did the teach and learn session again, of which some of the questions were from the previous session, and I gave him the same...
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Are you sitting by the pool with your feet up every day? Working a summer job to pay for penny candy and movie shows? (Yes, I know penny candy costs a dollar now.)
The summer is closer to being over than you think. Now would be a good time to start studying for the SAT or any other test you have coming up in the fall. You do not have to study all summer long, but get into the practice of doing one hour per day of intense studying and then, when the test comes around, you will be all the more ready for it.
Studying even a little bit adds up. It is like going to the gym or practicing for the big game. The more you do it, the greater your chance of success. Now is a great time to start. So what are you waiting for?

Hey everyone!
I just recently graduated from Stanford University this June and I will be home in Arizona for the rest of the summer! If any of you need tutoring help in SAT, ACT, or a variety of Math, Science, and Verbal subjects feel free to contact me! I try to make our tutoring sessions as productive and fun as possible, while ensuring that you reach your academic goals! I am also open to helping you navigate your college or carer goals!
Let me know if you would like to work with me!
Best,
Jayce

Well, school is out and the beach is calling! If you are a high school senior or the parent of one, you know that studying is probably not high on anyone’s list of preferred activities this time of year. But, if you are taking summer classes, need to do some catch-up on basics, complete summer reading and writing assignments for AP courses, or want to get serious about SAT test prep, now is a good time. The last year of high school is filled with great activities and a lot of excitement, but there are also expectations to master the three Rs before they hand out diplomas to the Class of 2014! This summer, consider tutoring if you need the extra boost that comes with 1:1 individualized instruction and coaching. If you’re not considering tutoring at this time, think about planning ahead for the next school year. And don’t forget, the SAT testing dates are fast approaching: the deadline to register for the October 5 test is September 6! Wishing you all a happy summer! --Laurie

Hello!
Thank you for visiting my site!
I have 8 years of language teaching experience. I taught for 7 years at Princeton University and 1 year at the University of Notre Dame. It is truly a joy for me to help people reach their academic and personal goals. Please contact me as soon as possible to inquire about scheduling a tutoring session with me. I specialize in language arts, particularly Spanish, French, and English. I also have experience tutoring people of all ages, and helping them prepare for standardized tests.
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Best regards,
Valerie

Greetings Wyzant community, prospective students, fellow tutors:
I have just returned from my studies abroad and am ready to begin teaching again. Please take a look at my profile. My education ranges from my Masters in Physics, to my undergrad degrees in physics, biology and music. I just completed the coursework for a masters program in peace and conflict resolution as well.
Aside from know knowledge and experience teaching, I think I possess a very good ability to understand the different ways students learn. This helps me to engage with them in a way that is most effective for them. Not only does it help to comprehend the material for the subjects they are learning but it also helps them to develop a wisdom and intuition for further (creative) learning and a strategic approach towards test taking.
I'm looking forward to working with all of you. Don't hesitate to contact me for any reason...

Just like learning a new language, every year students try to learn CBS: College Board Speak. The College Board is the name of the company that creates the SAT. In order to make gains on the SAT, one may have to try new ways of learning. One of the best ways to learn a language is to create an immersive experience by surrounding yourself with speakers of that language, by traveling to an area in which the language is spoken for an extended period of time, or by attempting conversational level fluency prior to learning the written language.
Ways that have worked for me and for students I have helped in the past are the following: SAT words on a shower curtain, flash cards wallpapering a bathroom or bedroom wall, and 30-60 minutes of sustained work daily for a prolonged period of time. Just doing to prolonged work won't help all students because some students need a multi-sensory approach to learning.
In my classes, I reach students of all learning styles using color-coded...
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A great way to prepare for the SAT and life in general is by reviewing vocabulary daily. Consider purchasing a daily word calendar, or simply check College Board's Word of the Day at
http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-question-of-the-day. If a student begins studying a a new word every day beginning with their freshman year of high school, they could learn up to one thousand words before they take the SAT! Increased vocabulary will not only increase SAT scores, but give students a much improved ability to construct essays and papers in college.

Be Prepared!
The night before, collect:
plenty of sharpened #2 pencils
an eraser
a small pencil sharpener (in case your pencils break during the exam)
a watch (you cannot rely on the proctor and there may not be a wall clock or it may be on the wall behind your seat)
your calculator
your admission ticket
your identification
directions to the testing center
tissues
medicine (if necessary)
disposable earplugs (if you find the background noise of people coughing and fidgeting distracting)
(https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-test-day-checklist)
(http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/taking/)
It may be helpful to collect these items in a clear plastic (Ziploc) bag that you can grab and go in the morning. If you have to search for these items in the morning, you are likely to forget something or become frazzled.
Eat a substantial breakfast that will provide you with sufficient energy throughout the test...
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After an absence due to the busiest part of the academic year, I am back in search of tutoring clients for the spring/summer. Before June 17, I will have hours available after school. As of June 17, my hours are much more flexible!

As the school year begins to wind down, I have noticed that many of the students I help have begun the journey of signing up for next years classes or, better yet, deciding where they will start the next chapter of their life in college. I began to reminisce on my Senior year of high school and how stressful that year was for me. It was so easy to become overwhelmed by all of the choices that (seemed to be) abruptly placed in front of me: what college should I go to? What should I major in? Should I choose a college close to home? Should I rush? Should I go to a college with all of my friends? Will I absolutely hate it?
I ended up choosing the wrong college and transferred twice until I finally ended up a college that I love! I say all of this to jump into the idea of NOT stressing about this time of year. Yes, I did say not to stress. College is a time of change. That change, no matter how terrifying it may seem, will take you on a wonderful journey that no one can plan for. If...
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Hi there! This is my first blog post! I thought I would test this out before I post regularly... It comes with the tutor profile, so why not?!
I just want to give my number one piece of advice which has been true for every standardized test I have come across, no matter what grade level. I wish I had known this or understood this concept when I was growing up - I was always a good student, but maybe I would've been better!
Here is the scenario. You're faced with this gigantic passage and you see that it's something incredibly boring. Immediately, your brain shuts off as you attempt to crawl your way to the end of it. You also feel the pressure of the clock, so instead of reading the passage, you kind of end up skimming over it. Then there are all these questions and you have no idea where to begin because you didn't absorb a single thing you read, so in a panic, you start guessing, even if those guesses mean penalties (on certain tests). Sound like you?
Here is the strategy:...
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Good Evening,
I am the Learning Assistance Coordinator for Pfeiffer University. I teach 3 developmental English courses on campus, coordinate the writing lab, train peer tutors, and also lead workshops for note taking, study skills, and test taking strategies. Starting April 6th, I will be holding a SAT study group on campus to help High School students with each part of the SAT. We will meet on Saturdays 9-12 (1 hour for each section of the SAT) and one hour on Sundays individually. The individual hour ensures that you are comprehending the material and get specific guidance for what you may be struggling to understand. These sessions will last for 12 weeks, but may continue further if there is enough interest. I have 2013 SAT study guides and practice tests directly from the college board. All of these materials will be included. Please e-mail me to become a part of this process.
Thank You,
Todd "Chip" D.

I have been responding to a lot of requests recently, yet got no further reply thereafter. Some students just wrote me that my rate is higher than others.
Well, I have some say there, as I had students before who came back to me after they tried other tutors. The question is, would you rather pay more for a short time or pay less for a longer period of time?
First, some students do not have a clear goal of the "deadline," which means they do not know to what extent they need to learn about certain subjects and until which date they need to achieve this goal. They would set up a schedule for one or two 1-hr lessons each week and see where it takes. The result is, after a long time, or after they couldn't make it to the classes for some time, they would lose their urge and quit the classes. In this way, they waste the money spent on previous sessions, even if they pay a less-than-usual rate.
On the other hand, some students know what they are going to do and just...
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IF I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice on how to be a better student, be more successful in school, life, etc, I would definitely tell myself that being involved in everything comes at a cost. It is better to find a few things that you like to do, do them well and often, than feeling stressed because there is so much on your plate at one time. Being a 'Jack of all Trades' it is natural for me to dip my toes in different waters- all at the same time, but that does not mean that I can give 100% to any of them at that time.
While I was able to get good grades (A- average) while in school, I was impressed by how much better I did- and felt about my work- the few times that I scaled back on my activities.
Another piece of advice that I wish that I could bestow upon my younger self would be to learn how to speak up in a group setting when someone is not fulfilling their part of an agreement. Now, this said, the best way to do this would be in a tactful manner-...
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The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on. You have 25 minute to answer 40 questions, and it seems like each one is an obstacle. How can you possibly deal with all this?
Prepare yourself well by getting expert help on test-taking strategies and practicing them over a period of two to four months. Private tutoring for the test you or your child need to get into a private high school, college, or graduate school will help you become confident and capable so you know what to expect when it comes time to impress everyone on the big day.
There are many books, companies, and other solutions out there to help test-takers – which makes it feel almost as hard to know how to prep for an exam as it does just to take it!
Find a one-on-one tutor who is truly devoted to helping people with personalized assistance, building on the tutee's strengths and weaknesses, so that by Test Day, they will have not only the skills they need but also the confidence of an old-time pro.
Here...
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When interviewing a prospective tutor, parents should ask about the tutor's skills and experience, and find out if the tutor truly enjoys teaching. When the tutor feels enthusiastic about the subject, and communicates well, the student has an opportunity to learn to enjoy the subject too.
I recommend for parents to observe the first lesson to see the tutor's skills in action, and watch/listen carefully to future lessons when possible, to make sure the tutor has an encouraging, supportive attitude at all times. (Tutors should welcome and respond positively to the child's questions, and NEVER make the child feel "stupid," no matter what.) It is most important to have a safe and quiet place for studying, without distractions. I like to find a quiet table at a library, and work with students there. I welcome suggestions from parents, and I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching skills.

We've finally entered the final week before the March 9th SAT test. All my students have been working very hard, and your dedication is about to pay off. Just remember during this last week to practice the methods I've taught you so that they're second nature come test time. I wouldn't recommend studying at all past Thursday - remember what I've taught you about cramming vs. resting your brain. You're going to do great, so just remember my face - like you've seen countless times in our lessons - reminding you, "Don't. Panic."
Here are some other good reminders for test day:
-Get plenty of sleep the night before. You need a rested brain to reason properly
-Eat a good breakfast that includes some protein. One of the worst feelings is being hungry halfway through the test
-Bring three no. 2 pencils, a calculator (you can use a graphing one), your admission ticket, photo ID, and a snack
-Don't. Panic.
Good luck to you all. I know that you'll all use the...
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Hello everyone. My name is Zachary L. and I am a tutor for Wyzant. I am certified to teach English, special education and history in the high school setting. For this particular post however, I would like to talk about something big coming up in March. It's not the NCAA Tourney, St. Patty's Day or my birthday, though all three are pretty important events. I want to take time to talk about the upcoming SAT's, coming on March 9.
For many first time takers, the SATs can be a nerve racking experience. Did I remember to bring a No. 2 pencil? Do I have the right calculator? Will I forget what language I am supposed to write in? Well if you follow these simple steps, I promise you will have a successful SAT day.
Step 1 - Get accustomed to the format of the test.
For many taking this test for the first time, they may not know how the test will be formatted. I suggest prior to the test going online and doing a little research. Know about where you can write on the exam. Know about...
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